New Chatty Cafe at The Lodge Cafe, Bowling

A welcoming weekly drop-in session is bringing people together at the heart of Bowling Park 

A brand new Chatty Café is being launched by Age UK Bradford District at The Lodge Café in Bowling Park. 

The Chatty Café Scheme is a nationally recognised initiative that transforms cafés into warm, welcoming places where people can sit down, have a conversation, and feel part of their community. Now, thanks to The Lodge Café, local residents have a new opportunity to connect in a space shaped and restored by the people it serves. 

Taking place every Wednesday from 10:00am to 11:00am, the session offers a free, no-booking-required opportunity for people to come together over a cuppa and enjoy friendly conversation. Whether someone is looking for regular social contact or simply a chat, everyone is welcome. 

As Mark Rounding, Chief Executive of Age UK Bradford District, explained "Loneliness and social isolation are serious issues affecting many older people across our district. Chatty Cafés offer something beautifully simple: a place to sit, have a cuppa, and feel that you belong. To be able to run this session in a space rebuilt by the community makes it even more meaningful." 

The Lodge Café itself stands as a testament to community spirit, having been brought back to life through the dedication and efforts of local people. Its reopening provides not just a place to enjoy refreshments, but a hub for connection, wellbeing, and belonging. 

Jamie, Andy, George & Amanda from The Lodge Café are delighted with the new session: “The Lodge Café is proud that we are hosting Chatty Cafe sessions, creating a welcoming space where people in the community can come together for conversation and companionship. There’s always room at the table for one more. We would love people to join us as we share stories, make connections, or simply relax and enjoy the atmosphere. We can’t wait to welcome folks around the table, and we hope they will feel right at home here” 

All Chatty Café sessions are free to attend and open to everyone. No booking is required and people can simply turn up and take a seat. Refreshments are available to purchase at the café and details about the Lodge Cafe sessions can be found at: https://thechattycafescheme.co.uk/venue/the-lodge-cafe/  

Details of other activities and programmes offered by Age Uk Bradford District can be found at: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/bradforddistrict/activities-and-events/. 

Co-funded by the Early Help and Prevention team, and Public Health team at Bradford District Metropolitan Council.